Comments

MrShaman

"Councilman Don Noviello said he was surprised the city hadn't bought some form of the technology long ago."

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I think a LOT o' people will be surprised, that's been our situation...until you consider the number of people you can (easily) meet, in Billtown, who readily-admit "Oh...I don't do any o' that computer-stuff."

wwhickok

This definitely is something that should have been put into place a long time ago, I agree. I think it's a step in the right direction, perhaps if they would've done this a long time ago it would've helped more but I also think we still have a long way to go. Hardware is needed as well, by hardware, I am referring to camera's throughout the city. I have been saying this for a very long time.

Billtown101

Kudos to moving in the right direction! - BUT; and there's always a 'Big But' when it comes to Gabe and his 'Brain-*****'. Security cameras in parks, databases, and artificial intelligence, will NEVER deter crime... like a Cop on the beat.

wwhickok

"Security cameras in parks, databases, and artificial intelligence, will NEVER deter crime... like a Cop on the beat."

Agreed, my goal with security cameras isn't as much about deterring crime as it is 'capturing' crime. They talk about these 'databases' that make it easier to give visual descriptions to more people. Well camera's & increased lighting (to support the visual capabilities of the cameras) would be an even more efficient way to provide descriptions, heck, for that matter you could tie in the data bases the officers have, to the actual camera's so that they could capture live feeds and/or previous imaging. There is only so much you can do unfortunately to deter crime, but part of the problem is that there the criminals aren't caught. Cameras, data bases, and the stoppage of police department cuts would, in combination, go a long way.

jeff33

oldbilltown

This looks quite promising from a police efficiency perspective. I would guess 100x more productive than the cameras, and police with injuries that preclude patrolling could work with the computer data

MrShaman

"Security cameras in parks, databases, and artificial intelligence, will NEVER deter crime... like a Cop on the beat." - Billtown101

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I'm sure A cop would satisfy those folks... who can't see wasting tax-money on OTHER peoples' security...but, I'm guessing you'd get a lot MORE coverage outta multiple-cameras. Supplementing that effort with a walking/talking human-being wouldn't be a mistake...but, he's not gonna give you the security you need, when he's RUNNING-around trying to keep everyone-ELSE satisfied, as well.

MrShaman

"I can't believe they give Williamsport a $3000000.00 line of credit!" - jeff33

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If the city was to LOSE $3M/year, in business-investments...'cause it isn't safe doing business, here...I'm sure that line-of-credit could be justified...but, why (much like the end-result o' those Bush tax-cuts) would you want to encourage a worst-case-scenario (first), to make that point?

I'm sure the impact, on local business-owners', was considered, when making such a financial-decision.

MrShaman

"This looks quite promising from a police efficiency perspective. I would guess 100x more productive than the cameras, and police with injuries that preclude patrolling could work with the computer data." - oldbilltown

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...Not-to-mention minimizing investigative-time spent, due to more-complete data...and, a lot-FEWER burnt-out cops (as a result of excessive-overtime)!!

aretesancus

This comment pertains to the accuracy of the headline "Can software curb city violence?"

Where in the "news" story is there even a hint of a suggestion that a new records management system (RMS) will not help curb crime? Is there a mention by anyone quoted in the article that the RMS is NOT needed? Does anyone in the article even imply anything negative about the RMS?

So, doesn't the headline more accurately represent the view/opinion of its writer -- which would be an editor -- rather than the content of the story?

wwhickok

I'm curious, I see 2 point clicked disagree about my suggestion of installing camera's around the city, tying them into the database proposed to being used by police officers and a stoppage in cutting the police force, but yet no one mentioned why they disagree with me. So I'm wondering what it is about my statement that is untrue or inaccurate of the needs of this city? I'm not suggesting that cameras will stop crime. I'm suggesting camera's will help catch criminals. I'm suggesting that it is a perfectly underestandable and justified security feature that many other cities have already began to use, for a long time. I'm suggesting that this city start using them. I agree that a living, breathing human being is the best deterrant for crime but like Shaman said, a police officer can't be everywhere at once. The combination of these security tools and patrolling police officers, I believe would go a long way toward catching criminals and ultimately, hopefully, deterring crime.

BornHere

Wes many people on here have asked the same question as you about the Disagrees, just ignore them, to some people on here it is a game with them. You could say it was January 16, 2013 and someone would disagree with you.

LaughIn

The city once had roving bikes and walking feet who wore dark blue, carried guns and actually talked to the people paying their wages. I ask those on here, do you know who your local government hire? Do you know them by name? Do they smile,wave and talk to you? Are they visible in public, not just when they are responding to law breakers? I always felt that the community policing unit did a good job at deterring crime, especially when they were stationed in the high crime areas and actually made a connection to the community firsthand.

JasonTaxYourFeet

Please, in a day and age where I can pay a small monthly fee and track my dog's every movment (tagg) why are we not tracking probation/ work release/ parolle's movements? As with all government systems, this will be antiquated before it is even implemented. I am sure it will help officers, but we could do so much more...